Climate Action 2050 Plan

Plan Overview

A recent report by the United Nations suggests that the window to avoid the worst impacts of climate change is rapidly closing. To keep global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, the world must reduce carbon emissions at least 43% by 2030 relative to 2010.

To meet the magnitude of the climate crisis, Milwaukee County is developing a bold plan to reduce carbon emissions from county operations and adapt to climate change. The Climate Action 2050 Plan will serve as a roadmap for Milwaukee County to:

1. Achieve 'carbon neutrality', or zero net carbon emissions, in county operations no later than 2050
2. Improve the resiliency of county operations and the community to climate change
3. Align Milwaukee County's climate initiatives with its Vision to become the healthiest county in Wisconsin by achieving racial equity

Planning Principles

A Sept. 2021 report to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors defines guiding principles for the Climate Action 2050 Plan. In support of Milwaukee County's vision for achieving racial equity, and its commitment to carbon-neutral operations, the plan will:

• Prioritize projects that produce co-benefits to populations who are disproportionately impacted by climate change
• Identify and involve internal and external stakeholders
• Align with Milwaukee County's core functions, missions and priorities
• Leverage existing plans, initiatives and resources to build a shared commitment to climate action across county departments, community partners and the general public

The planning process will be coordinated by Milwaukee County's Office of Sustainability and guided by the Sustainability Task Force. Other stakeholders include but are not limited to Milwaukee County elected officials, administrators, and staff, as well as residents, businesses and community members.

Plan Reports

• Planning Framework: Sept. 2021 report from the Sustainability Task Force. Defines guiding principles for the Climate Action 2050 Plan (CA50 Plan).
• Kickoff Presentation: Sept. 2022 presentation introduces planning consultant and outlines the CA50 Plan process.
• Community Engagement Strategy: Dec. 2022 report describes how the CA50 Plan process will engage diverse stakeholders.
• May 2023 Workshops and Sep 2023 Webinars Provide updates about the CA50 Plan and offer how community members can help shape the plan.
• Emissions Assessment: June 2023 report provides carbon emissions estimates for 2019-2021 county operations. The Office of Sustainability later prepared an emissions inventory for 2022 county operations.
• Vulnerability Assessment and FAQs: July 2023 report projects climate hazards in Milwaukee County under different emissions scenarios and evaluates the vulnerability of county operations and residents to these hazards.

Planning Timeline

(Dates subject to change)

✓  Sep. 2022: Kickoff Meeting with the Sustainability Task Force
✓  Dec. 2022: Community Engagement Strategy
✓  May 2023: Community Workshops #1 and #2
✓  June 2023: Emissions Assessment Report
✓  July 2023: Vulnerability Assessment Report and FAQs
✓  Sept 2023: Community Webinar
✓  July 2024: Draft Climate Action Strategies List
✓  Jan. 2025: First Draft Climate Action 2050 Plan
✓  April 2025: Presentation of final plan to County Board

✓ completed  ✓ remaining

Community Events

Since September 2022, Milwaukee County has hosted several events for community members to learn about and help shape the Climate Action 2050 Plan (see Timeline tab). In coming months, we'll be soliciting county residents' ideas for possible emissions reduction strategies. More information will be posted here soon!

If you would like to be notified of the Climate Action 2050 Plan events, and receive general updates about Milwaukee County sustainability initiatives, please subscribe to the Office of Sustainability newsletter. 

Meetings of the Sustainability Task Force are always open to the public. Learn when the group will meet, and review its past meeting agendas and minutes, via Milwaukee County's Legislative Calendar.

Please direct any questions or concerns about the Climate Action 2050 Plan to [email protected].